Love South Carolina?

The Untold Story Of How This South Carolina Lake Got Its Name May Astound You

Lake Jocassee, the gorgeous reservoir that fills 300 feet of the bottom of the Jocassee Gorges in the Upstate of South Carolina, is widely known as a bit of a paradise when it comes to outdoor activities. But did you ever stop to wonder about how Jocassee and the Gorges came to be named as such?

If you're surmising the name has a Native American origin, then you are correct. The land underneath the water belonged to the Cherokee Indians long before we staked claim to the area.

One day, her own brother went out to battle and came back with the severed head of Nagoochee hanging from his belt. Legend has it that Jocassee was so distraught, she stepped into the Whitewater River and, instead of sinking, she began to walk across THE TOP of the water. She walked all the way to the other side to meet the ghost of her dearly departed Nagoochee.

The name Jocassee means "Place of the lost one." The site where Jocassee stepped into the Whitewater River to meet the ghost of Nagoochee is reportedly now under the water on the western side of the reservoir.

Robin Jarvis is a travel and entertainment writer for OnlyInYourState.com. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. When she's not working, she loves to hike, kayak and check out new adventures.